Flying Monkey At Brainard A Destination In Its Own Right

You don't need to be flying anywhere to try Hartford-Brainard Airport's newest restaurant. With juicy Angus beef burgers, tableside-shaken cocktails and more, Flying Monkey Bar & Grill is enough of a destination on its own. More here.

You don't need to be flying anywhere to try Hartford-Brainard Airport's newest restaurant. With juicy Angus beef burgers, tableside-shaken cocktails and more, Flying Monkey Bar & Grill is enough of a destination on its own. More here.

The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar offers flyers and non-flyers alike a great reason to visit Hartford-Brainard Air

So many people have developed a fear of the flying monkeys from "The Wizard of Oz" that, according to the Urban Dictionary, a term has been coined for it: aeropetespithekosozophobia. Catchy, huh? But have no fear — the only flying objects you'll spy at The Flying Monkey Grill & Bar at the Hartford-Brainard Airport are airplanes taking off and landing.

The Flying Monkey balances the not-always-compatible roles of restaurant and bar pretty well, tilting a little more toward restaurant, with a slightly more upscale décor, a slightly raised stage solely dedicated to jazz, and a slightly more ambitious menu. Monday is soul jazz night, while other types of jazz may be offered on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays.

Suzie Hunter | smhunter@courant.com

The wings ($5 at happy hour) at Flying Monkey are huge, fresh, juicy, crunchy and tossed in an irresistibly tangy, sweet and spicy Monkey sauce.

The wings ($5 at happy hour) at Flying Monkey are huge, fresh, juicy, crunchy and tossed in an irresistibly tangy, sweet and spicy Monkey sauce.

(Suzie Hunter | smhunter@courant.com)

Martinis and cocktails ($10) seem creative and well-prepared, many bearing aviation-themed names like Dirty Captain, Naughty Flight Attendant, Sunset Layover, The Cancellation and Lemon De-Icing. The Cherry Bourbon Crosscheck of Bourbon is infused with burnt orange rinds and Luxardo cherries, shaken tableside. Liquid desserts ($6 to $10), like a Lindbergh B-52 with Grand Marnier, Kahlúa and Bailey's, continue the aviation theme. There are also draft beers ($4 to $5), bottled beers and other beverages ($4 to $6), sakes ($14 to$18), and a substantial wine selection ($7 to $10, $26 to $80).

Apps range from $7 to $14, salads from $7 to $10, soups from $5 to $7, entrées from $14 to $25 and desserts from $5 to $7.

A favorite is the pan-seared, Panko-and-Parmesan-encrusted French-cut pork chop ($16), which comes with creamy mac and cheese with the same crunchy covering. An apple jetaway ($6.50) of warm cinnamon apple dumplings topped with French vanilla ice cream, apple granola, caramel sauce and whipped cream is a perfect finish.

Kinsmen Brewing in Southington has been open since April, creating an atmosphere of community, family and kinship in an old bolt factory building along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Read story here.

Kinsmen Brewing in Southington has been open since April, creating an atmosphere of community, family and kinship in an old bolt factory building along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Read story here.

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Kinsmen Brewing in Southington has been open since April, creating an atmosphere of community, family and kinship in an old bolt factory building along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Read story here.

Kinsmen Brewing in Southington has been open since April, creating an atmosphere of community, family and kinship in an old bolt factory building along the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail. Read story here.

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Beets, carrots, tomatillos, squash and other veggies and herbs are making their way into these popular cocktail bar libations. Read story here.

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Say goodbye to Hartford's most iconic hot dog joint: Woody's is closing its doors after more than 40 years of serving over-the-top dogs and catering to Miami Dolphins fans. Read story here.

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The Taste of Hartford's winter edition returns Jan. 22 through Feb. 4, featuring multi-course, prix-fixe menus at a selection of restaurants in the city and in surrounding suburbs. You can find menus here.

The Taste of Hartford's winter edition returns Jan. 22 through Feb. 4, featuring multi-course, prix-fixe menus at a selection of restaurants in the city and in surrounding suburbs. You can find menus here.

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There's a new destination for craft cocktails in Middletown. Conspiracy is inspired by Pre-Prohibition classics with a vintage atmosphere. Read story here.